Good Idea: Try Before You Buy

shefinds | Style

Ever order a seemingly perfect shade of lipstick over the Internet and end up dismayed when the color and consistency are all wrong? Ever plunk down a healthy chunk of change ordering a pair of jeans youâ€™ve tried on in the store, only to have your pair arrive and fit differently? As consumers, we spend a ton of money on stuff we donâ€™t always loveâ€¦ So where are our benefits?

Tokyo has the right idea, and hopefully American marketing whizzes will start the trend stateside: sampling salons (like Club-C in Japan) give consumers hassle-free access to product samples in return for their valued opinions. No hovering salespeople (just well-versed customer liaisons), no pressure to buy, and an unlimited time with makeup make these sampling salons an idea that needs to catch on fast.

We told you before about SheSpeaks.com, a brand development site that will send you things youâ€™re interested in in return for your opinion. You keep the loot, and, ultimately, more stuff you like will hit shelves. Same goes for places like Club-C â€” you take products for a test-drive, let â€˜em know what you love and what you loathe, and end up with the perfect lipstick, the greatest eye shadow, your dream blush. Whatâ€™s not to love?